First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. | Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me. |
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. | Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. |
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Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. | Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. |
Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. | An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. |
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. | Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. |
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. | The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. |
Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise. | If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you. |
For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. | For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. |
He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. | He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity. |
He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. | Guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. |
Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. | Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path. |